There’s nothing significant about the beginning of NBA free agency today for the Nets.

Nothing, that is, but the future of the franchise, as superstar point guard Deron Williams became a free agent at 12:01 this morning. To try to ensure Williams will re-sign, the Nets headed into free agency working on a variety of scenarios to surround Williams with talent.

Sources confirmed to The Post the Nets and Hawks have had talks about a possible trade for All-Star swingman Joe Johnson. In addition, Yahoo! Sports reported the Nets and Rockets had been engaged in trade talks for power forward Luis Scola.

ESPN.com also reported Magic center Dwight Howard — whom the Nets spent much of last season attempting to acquire before he opted into the final year of his deal at the trade deadline — met with Orlando’s new general manager, Rob Hennigan, on Friday in Los Angeles and once again requested a trade to the Nets.

It’s unlikely any move would be made without the blessing of Williams, who the Nets hope will agree to be the face of the franchise as it moves to Brooklyn and its new arena, Barclays Center, this fall.

The Johnson trade talks, first reported by Yahoo! Sports, would involve the Nets’ several expiring contracts — which add up to roughly $12 million dollars — going to Atlanta. In addition to Anthony Morrow, Johan Petro and Jordan Williams, Jordan Farmar officially opted into the final year of his contract, worth $4.25 million, before last night’s deadline. The Nets may have to sign-and-trade one of their free agents as well to make the deal work within the NBA’s salary cap rules.

Relationships on both sides could help make such a deal happen. Farmar and Johnson share the same high-powered agent, Arn Tellem, and Nets general manager Billy King and newly hired Hawks general manager Danny Ferry were teammates at Duke under Mike Krzyzewski.

Johnson won’t come cheap, however. The six-time All-Star, who averaged 18.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists last season, is owed about $89.3 million over the next four seasons.

Williams, the only elite player in his prime who is available in free agency, is expected to choose either to remain with the Nets or pair up with Dirk Nowitzki for his hometown Mavericks. Williams told ESPN.com last night he will meet with representatives from both organizations tomorrow before making his decision.

“It is big,” King said Wednesday of the ramifications of Williams’ decision. “I won’t downplay it. It’s important for Deron. It’s important for the franchise.“But when the decision is made, I think it’ll be a decision that’s best for his family. And we’ll act accordingly.”

Though Williams is the most important player in the Nets plans this summer, King has plenty of other work to do. The Nets entered free agency with six players on their roster for next season and roughly $40 million in salary-cap space.

Among the other Nets who will test free agency are Gerald Wallace, an unrestricted free agent after turning down his player option, and restricted free agent Brook Lopez, who is a lock to return unless he’s involved in sign-and-trade deal.

The Nets also have to address their power forward spot, where incumbent Kris Humphries hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent.

But everything starts and ends with Williams. With him, they arrive in Brooklyn as the first team to move into New York in 50 years with one of the best players in the world as the face of their franchise.

Without him, they will be left to pick up the pieces.

“I haven’t wavered or changed,” King said. “I’m not over-confident. I’m not any less confident. I just feel pretty good.”